FIT AND PROPER
WILTSHIRE TAXI DRIVER SUSPENDED AMID “PESTERING A GIRL FOR A KISS” ALLEGATIONS
A Wiltshire taxi driver has been suspended and is under investigation after allegedly “pestering a young girl for a kiss” following a fare on July 27. The incident, which reportedly occurred in Calne, involved a 17- year-old passenger. The male private hire driver, who was working for the company Swoop, picked up the teenager in Swindon and drove
her
approximately 15 miles to her destination in Calne. Upon arrival, it’s claimed the driver “turned to the back seat and pestered her for a kiss.”
Swoop has confirmed receiving a complaint regarding the driver’s conduct and stated they
are
“cooperating with the authorities.” A spokesperson for the company said, “A self-employed taxi driver, who started working with us on the 4th of July 2025, has been the subject of a complaint that we received by email yesterday, from the parent of a young female.” The company has suspended the driver from receiving further bookings while a full investigation is carried out. “Whilst a full investigation is carried out, we have also been communicating
with the parent of the female who has brought these allegations, and cooperating with the police in their enquires, plus we will be assisting Swindon BC, who recently licenced the individual,” the spokesperson added. Swoop expressed hope that “dashcam or CCTV footage might have captured the alleged event, thus assisting everyone, and speeding the correct outcome of this matter.” The driver will remain suspended until both the police and Swindon Borough Council determine “the appropriate course of action.”
BRACKNELL LICENSED TAXI/PH DRIVER FINED AFTER OFFERING ILLEGAL RIDE IN READING
A Bracknell licensed PH/HC driver has been ordered to pay almost £750 by magistrates after Reading licensing officers caught him illegally plying in the town centre. Asghar Ali, of Bracknell, pleaded guilty to use of a motor vehicle without insurance and plying for hire, at Reading Magistrates Court
on 20 June 2025. Magistrates heard how, on 4 December 2024, Reading BC licensing officers conducting a test purchase approached Mr Ali’s vehicle on Friar Street, where he agreed to take them to an address in Wokingham for £35 without the required prior booking.
BRADFORD PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER FINED FOR PLYING FOR HIRE
Leeds Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Service investigated and prosecuted Bradford
carrying out a routine compliance check.
licensed
private hire driver Yasran Ghazanfar for plying for hire and no insurance on the 17 November 2024, in Leeds City Centre following Enforcement Officers
30
On 1 July at Kirklees Magistrates Court, Mr Ghazanfar pleaded guilty and received a £291 fine, £420 court costs and his driving licence was endorsed with eight penalty points.
At sentencing, Mr Ali was given credit for his early guilty plea and cooperation at interview. He was fined £392 for operating without insurance and given eight penalty points on his driving licence. For the offence of plying for hire, he was given no separate penalty. He was also required to pay a victim surcharge of £157, plus prosecution costs of £200. Councillor John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Transport at Reading BC, said: “Thanks to the proactive work of Reading’s Licensing team, another driver operating unlaw- fully has been successfully prosecuted. “Illegal plying for hire will not be tolerated in Reading. We continue to
will take firm action
against any driver who disregards the rules.”
AUGUST 2025 PHTM
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